BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1206

By: Guillen

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The pandemic created a substantial need for students to learn remotely. However, many schools did not have all of the resources needed to foster distance learning. Currently, schools are able to use the instructional material and technology allotment to purchase necessary instructional materials and technology equipment and to pay for certain employee salaries. However, the allotment cannot be used for the costs associated with distance learning, such as for Wi-Fi, Internet hotspots, wireless network service, broadband service, and other services and technological equipment necessary to facilitate Internet access. H.B. 1206 seeks to address this issue by authorizing the use of the instructional materials and technology allotment for the payment of costs associated with distance learning.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1206 amends the Education Code to authorize the use of the instructional materials and technology allotment for payment of costs associated with distance learning, including Wi‑Fi, Internet access hotspots, wireless network service, broadband service, and other services and technological equipment necessary to facilitate Internet access. The bill applies beginning with the 2021-2022 school year.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.